The Indian men’s national football team will resume their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign on Thursday with a pivotal clash against Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium.
With just one point from their first two fixtures, the Blue Tigers are in a must-win situation. Only the group winners advance to the next round, making this encounter crucial for India’s qualification hopes.
India Take Confidence from CAFA Nations Cup
Head coach Khalid Jamil’s side will draw inspiration from their recent performance at the CAFA Nations Cup, where India clinched a bronze medal in the eight-nation tournament. The team secured one win and two draws, including a penalty shoot-out victory over Oman, highlighting improved cohesion and resilience under Jamil.
“We played CAFA last month, and that really helped us shape the team,” said Jamil at the pre-match press conference. “All the players are professionals, so they know how to prepare and take responsibility. We need to play according to what the situation demands. This is an away game, so we need to be careful. Singapore have a good coach and quality players, so there’s no question of taking them lightly.”
Singapore Hit a Rough Patch
Singapore currently top Group C with four points, level with Hong Kong, who defeated India in June. However, the Lions have struggled recently, failing to win their last two matches, recording a draw and a defeat in the September international window.
Singapore’s interim coach Gavin Lee acknowledged the transformation of the Indian side under Jamil, praising their organisation and team play. “India has a very distinct style of play, and they are extremely effective with it. This kind of play only comes from good coaching, so full credit to the coach,” Lee said.
Key Players to Watch
The return of Sunil Chhetri to the frontline adds a major boost to India’s attack. Combined with their improved recent performances, the Blue Tigers will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure their first win of the qualifiers, a result that could significantly enhance their confidence and qualification chances.
Match Details
- Fixture: Singapore vs India
- Date: October 9, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM IST
- Venue: National Stadium, Singapore
- Live Streaming: FanCode
